Course Length:One year full-time,
with an additional three or four (sandwich) years of full-time study required to complete the chosen degree programme.

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Course Overview

CourseOverview

​This programme is intended to cater for those who aspire to enrol on a health science based honours degree within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences, who have not achieved the required number of A-level points (A2 or their equivalent). It is also suitable for those who have studied A-level subjects (or their equivalent) in areas that do not provide the necessary background within the scientific disciplines required for the chosen Honours degree programme.

This programme is also intended to widen access and participation for ‘return to learning’ students who wish to embark upon a Science based honours degree.

Course information on this page relates to September 2017 entry.​

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​Course Content​

The programme will form an integral part of the following Honours degree programmes delivered within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences. Undertaking the foundation year will mean that the relevant full-time honours degree will take one extra year to complete. The foundation year will act as a year 0 and students wishing to undertake the foundation will apply for the relevant degree programme, using the relevant UCAS code for that programme and apply for entry point 0 on the UCAS website.

There is no automatic progression onto the four programmes listed above and applicants must apply by the 15th January deadline. Applications received after this date cannot be guaranteed an interview and/or consideration. For these programmes, with the exception of Dental Technology, applicants will be invited for an interview on receipt of their UCAS application for B901. If successful at interview, applicants will be required to pass the foundation by the 31st August in the year of entry as well as making a new application through UCAS. Please see individual programme pages for the achievement required within the foundation.​

The foundation programme will develop your confidence and competence in acquiring the study skills required to embark upon a health science-based Honours degree, whilst introducing you to a basic bank of knowledge on which you can build, either by the process of self-study or in, further programmes of directed study.

The programme comprises three 40 credit Level 3 as follows:

Biological Sciences (40 credits)

Chemical and Physical Sciences (40 credits)

Key Skills in Health Sciences (40 credits)​

Elements of Personal Development Planning (PDP) will be incorporated into the Key Skills in Health Sciences module. In addition, this module will afford students the opportunity to receive guidance on the nature, scope and employment prospects of the undergraduate programmes delivered within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences from relevant Programme Directors.​

​Learning & Teaching​

The
Programme Director is responsible for the organisation and overall operation of the programme.

Module Leaders will co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of each module.

Your
Personal Tutor will be assigned to you during the first week and will be your first port of call for any difficulties you may have. Individual pastoral tutorials will be held at regular intervals throughout the programme, when you will have an opportunity to discuss with your Personal Tutor any matters which relate specifically to yourself.

How the programme team will help you to learn

During your time on the programme you will experience a number of teaching and learning methods. These will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory exercise. These areas will be introduced in more detail during Induction Week and explored throughout the year.

Methods of Assessment

The Foundation programme is continuously assessed throughout the year. Most modules are assessed by a combination of both examinations/class tests and coursework, and students are required to attempt all elements of assessment in order to successfully complete the modules. A breakdown of the assessment pattern for each module will be confirmed with students by the module leaders in Induction Week. These areas will again be introduced in more detail during the first week of teaching and explored throughout the year.

Programme Regulations, attendance and codes of practice.

Students are required to attend all teaching sessions, undertake all assessment and show respect for their peers, tutors and the institution. Full guidance on the specifics of these regulations/codes of practice and where to find the information will form the basis of the sessions that take place in Induction Week. It is important that everyone attends these sessions.

Books/Resources/Support for students and their learning

A number of textbooks for each of the modules will be recommended to you at the start of teaching.

A range of support is provided for students which includes the following provision:

​Assessment

The majority of modules are assessed by a balanced approach of general written examination, assignment work and, where relevant, a practical portfolio, with each element being weighted accordingly.

Assessment has been designed to be more challenging and demanding as the programme progresses. Specified learning outcomes will be assessed using a combination of coursework assignments together with formal closed-book examinations and class tests. Coursework ranges from short answer questions, referenced assignments and essays, practical reports, problem-solving and data analysis exercises plus oral presentations. The range of assessment methods used are deemed the most appropriate by each module team.

The personal tutorials and schedule of assessment will provide a continuing audit of effective learning activity.

Students will be issued with an assessment schedule for each module, detailing the balance between coursework and examinations, and the dates of any coursework assignments and examinations. The overall mark obtained from a module will contribute to the student's performance. ​

In addition to the general assessment regulations, there are a number of specific programme regulations which are:

Late Submission of Coursework

Students will be advised in writing of the deadlines for submission of coursework. Because of the educational need for students to learn self-management and for the University to process marks as quickly as possible, the importance of meeting submission deadlines must be stressed. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that coursework is submitted in the appropriate manner and to receive written confirmation of acceptance.

Students who for illness or other good reason know they cannot hand in an assignment on time must apply in writing for an extension and submit an Appeal for Mitigating Circumstances form for consideration by the relevant School Committee. It is the responsibility of the Programme Director to sign off the assignment submission form in an appropriate manner where an extension has been permitted.

Late submissions are treated as non-submissions unless an Appeal for Mitigation Circumstances for a late submission has been successfully upheld

Module assessment

A module is normally deemed to have been passed if a module mark of 40% or above is attained. A module is normally deemed to be passed with Distinction if a module mark of 70% or above is attained. There is no provision for the award of a Merit in the Foundation modules. Other considerations in the assessment of modules on this programme are:

A minimum mark of 35% is required in the end of year examination and practical coursework for module ASF3007, Biological Sciences.

A minimum mark of 35% is required in the end of year examination and practical coursework for module ASF3008, Chemical and Physical Sciences.

A minimum mark of 35% is required in the Study Skills, Numeracy and Research Methods elements of Module ASF3012, Key Skills in Health Sciences.

Once minimum marks have been attained, averaging of marks within modules is permitted in order for the module mark to be calculated.

Averaging of marks across modules is not permitted.

All elements of assessment within each module must be attempted before averaging of marks can take place.

All modules must be successfully completed before progression to a higher Academic Level is permitted.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Please note: The following entry requirements relate to September 2017 entry and use the new UCAS tariff. Please refer to our
Entry Requirements for further information on the new tariff, or contact Admissions if you have any questions.

Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics* and Science at grade C or above / grade 4 or above (for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) plus one of the following:

56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Year 1, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.

56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Year 1.

Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on an individual basis and will be called for interview.​

For specific information on entry requirements or if your qualific​ation​ isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here.

Personal Statement

Please ensure that your personal statement on your UCAS application clearly references your area of interest. For applicants applying for B901 with the view to progress onto the following degree programmes, please see the additional requirements below.

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science:Awareness of and expectations of the programme and career aspirations in relation to Healthcare Science should be evident.

BSc (Hons) Dental Technology: Work experience and knowledge of the work of a dental technologist including when and where this was undertaken, together with evidence of communication skills should be listed clearly.​

BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics:Work experience and knowledge of the work of a dietitian including when and where this was undertaken, together with evidence of communication skills should be listed clearly.

BSc (Hons) Podiatry: a) To have arranged and undertaken your own observation of podiatrists/chiropodists at work in a clinical setting. b) To have a basic awareness of the scope of podiatry as a profession and of the everyday work of a podiatrist. c) To demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to podiatry as a career choice. d) To have a basic awareness of the demands of podiatry training.

Selection Procedure:Selection is made on the basis your UCAS application. In certain circumstances, applicants may, at the discretion of the programme leader, be requested to attend for interview.

The following programmes require applicants to attend interview as part of the selection process: